Watch the sighting here:
Timothy Van Vuuren witnessed this touching incident and submitted his video and account to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive at MalaMala Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.
A steep challenge
Van Vuuren said that he encountered a breeding herd of elephants crossing the Sand River. Noticing that the steep bank might prove challenging for the smallest elephant, he started filming.
Unsurprisingly, the calf’s mother climbed the slope with ease. However, when the youngster tried to follow in her footsteps, he came up short.
His little legs and small body just didn’t have the size or strength to get him over the lip of the embankment.
If she can do it
Then the calf spotted one of the other elephants using a different route, so went over to try that way.
Given that the slope was both higher and steeper at the new location, the little one needed help. Thankfully, elephants always look out for one another.
The young cow that had just used the new route turned to help and was joined by the mother elephant. From the riverbed, a young bull ambled over to direct proceedings.
Thanks but no thanks
As if realising that the bull meant well but was just getting in the way, the mother reached out with her trunk. Briefly, they touched, and somehow, the bull got the message that the girls were doing just fine without him.
Spoke too soon?
As the calf attempted to clamber up the slope, it looked like Mom made a mistake when she sent the bull away. Without support from below, the calf was struggling to make any progress.
In due course, the calf went looking for another way up and over the ridge. It soon found a place where it could at least get its front legs up top. However, once again, it lacked the strength to get over the final lip.
I think I’ve got a plan
At this stage, one of the elephants who’d been observing proceedings came up with a plan. Realising the calf needed a nudge from below, she carefully made her way down.
Positioning herself behind the calf, she prevented it from slipping backwards. Then, leaning slightly towards the calf, she gave it the help needed to finally get up onto the riverbank.
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With that, all that remained was for the helpful aunt to catch up with her family as they melted into the riverine thickets.
With a brief backward glance, she took stock of her achievement before moving on. No doubt, this elephant would put these newfound skills to use again in the future.
All for one and one for all
Perhaps more than many other mammals, elephant families truly look out for one another. As extended families, all members of the herd are invested in looking after their youngest members.
As seen, they are intelligent problem-solvers that use communication and teamwork to achieve common goals.
Whether negotiating steep inclines or fending off danger, elephants have always got each other’s backs.
Timothy’s recommendations when viewing elephant families is to always give them space. This prevents stress and lets you observe their interactions as naturally as possible.